Crime House Daily
First Watch: Preschool Teacher Joins Police Pursuit & a Friend Turned Captor
December 2, 2025
Host: Katie Ring

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Katie Ring presents two headline-grabbing true crime stories. The first is an unexpectedly uplifting account of a preschool teacher's heroic involvement in a police pursuit, while the second dives into a profoundly disturbing case of abuse and captivity among friends. Through her reporting, Katie maintains respect for the presumption of innocence and shares only currently available, publicly reported details.

Case 1: A Preschool Teacher Joins a Police Pursuit

Timestamps: 02:52 – 07:33

Main Storyline

• Leslie Smith, a 46-year-old preschool teacher and mother of three from Slidell, Louisiana, becomes an unlikely hero during a shoplifting incident at a local Dillard’s.
• On November 1, 2025, 34-year-old Kelsey Baird attempted to shoplift from Dillard’s, only to be spotted by Sergeant Jeff Cars, who was working off-duty security. Kelsey fled to the parking lot and jumped into a waiting getaway car, driven by boyfriend Eric Boudreau.
• Leslie, on a shopping trip herself and prepping for a wedding, witnessed the pursuit, paused her errands, and offered Sergeant Cars a ride.
• Leslie’s daughter, on a video call, started recording the entire event and sending live updates to their family.

Notable Insights

• Leslie’s chase was humorous and law-abiding; she made sure to use her turn signals and follow all traffic rules, despite the ongoing pursuit.
• With Leslie keeping a visual, Sergeant Cars coordinated with backup who quickly blocked the getaway vehicle, resulting in both suspects’ arrests.
• Kelsey faced multiple charges, the most serious being felony methamphetamine possession, and posted a $30,000 bond. Eric's court situation remains unresolved.
• The police initially didn’t know Leslie’s identity, but after a social media search, she was invited to a ceremony where she received a Citizenship Award from the Slidell Police and Mayor Randy Fandel.
• Leslie remains humble about her actions, preferring to keep her preschool teaching job. She joked:

  “Kids run much slower than criminals.” – Leslie Smith (06:42)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I wasn’t actually. I just wanted to do whatever I could to help out.”
  — Leslie Smith on whether she was nervous to get involved (01:29)
• “Leslie put the award on her mantle to remind herself that, quote, doing something can mean everything, but she won’t be changing careers anytime soon.”
  — Katie Ring (07:15)

Case 2: A Friend Turned Captor – Prolonged Abuse in Austin

Timestamps: 08:56 – 23:13

Main Storyline

• In Austin, Texas, a woman (the victim is referred to as "Jane" for privacy reasons), who suffers from untreated mental illness, was discovered chained and severely abused in the backyard of her longtime friend, Mishae Carney.
• On October 30, 2025, a neighbor’s 911 call (alerted by screaming) brought police to a grim mobile home: windows covered, "Beware of Dog" and "No Trespassing" warnings everywhere.
• Officers found Jane shackled to a punching bag stand, contorted, injured, malnourished, partially naked, and with evidence of pellet gun wounds. The cuffs were embedded into her skin and had to be cut off by firefighters.
• Five adults from the home (Mishae Carney, Juan Castro, Michelle Garcia, Crystal Garcia, and Maynard Lefevers) were arrested at the scene. Three children present were taken into CPS custody.

Key Facts & Revelations

• Jane’s injuries indicated months of restraint, physical abuse, and starvation. “Large chunks of flesh missing from her hands and feet, extensive scarring, and a brutally battered face.” (09:57)
• The family gave a raft of justifications: to “stop Jane from stealing,” to “protect the neighbors,” to “discipline” her—none legally or morally valid.
• Mishae’s sister said Jane was only “50-50 capable of consent,” due to several mental health diagnoses. Instead of seeking help for Jane, the household resorted to cruelty, including handcuffing and beating her, often in front of young children.
• One of the most chilling moments:

  “Juan’s 4 year old son witnessed him torturing Jane and told the police that his dad shot her when she was bad and that Misha would watch when Jane was being tortured.” — Katie Ring (16:44)

• The abuse escalated: Jane was beaten with a bat for allegedly taking tools. She was left outside overnight, unclothed, in cold weather, and was only fed one plate of food per day.
• All five adults were charged with first-degree aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, injury to elderly or disabled, and unlawful restraint. Their bails range up to $305,000 with conditions including no contact with Jane or each other, no weapons, and participation in counseling.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Instead of simply asking her to move out or not come by anymore, they restrained her in the backyard and M’s family even admitted to doing this.” — Katie Ring (09:41)
• “It wasn’t enough that they just kept Jane chained up … they made sure to make it extra painful by pinning both of her wrists behind her back.” — Katie Ring (12:08)
• “Whatever happens moving forward, we hope that if the five suspects are proven guilty, they’re never able to hurt another person again, that the children who witness these alleged crimes find positive, nurturing and healing environments to grow up in, and that Jane gets the care she needs and finds a better situation for herself.” — Katie Ring (22:25)

Call to Action

• Katie urges listeners with information to contact Austin police or Crime Stoppers, and promises to update the audience as the investigation continues.

Memorable Moments

• Human resilience and heroism: Leslie Smith’s humble and brave action in a real-life pursuit—“doing something can mean everything.” (07:15)
• The horror of betrayal by friends: Jane’s years-long friendship with Mishae Carney, ending in unimaginable cruelty.

Key Takeaways

• Everyday people like Leslie Smith can make extraordinary impacts in moments of crisis—sometimes by simply choosing to get involved.
• Crime and cruelty can hide in plain sight, and sometimes the worst offenders are those closest to the victim.
• The justice system is actively responding to both cases, with legal processes ongoing.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Heroic Preschool Teacher Police Pursuit: 02:52 – 07:33
• Discovery and Rescue of Jane in Austin: 08:56 – 23:13
• Reflections, legal updates, and call for tips: 22:25 – 23:13

For more real-time updates, follow Crime House Daily’s social media (@crimehouse247).